What’s a vape cartridge?

When it comes to vaping, the most important part of the pen aside from the battery is the cartridge itself. A vape cartridge or “cart” is a pre-filled glass cartridge that contains a cannabis infused oil or other concentrate. Typically sold in half-gram or gram increments, carts come in a variety of well known strains and are generally loved for their potency and flavorful vapor.

Disposable Vape Cartridges

Disposable vape cartridges, also called "vape pens," similar to Memers Vape, are designed for single use. These all-in-one devices come pre-filled with vape juice or oil. The integrated battery and heating element last just long enough to vape the entire fill. Once emptied, the whole pen gets tossed for a fresh one.

Disposable vape pens offer unmatched convenience and portability for new or occasional vapers. They require absolutely no maintenance or charging, unlike their reusable counterparts. Just open the package and start puffing worry-free. The per unit price per pen is reasonably affordable, although costs quickly multiply for regular daily usage. Disposable cartridge options include both nicotine and cannabis formulas in a wide variety of flavors and strains. However, disposable pens offer very limited strength control or customization possibilities. Battery life is also severely limited compared to rechargeable setups. For intermittent, on-the-go usage, disposable vape pens can't be beaten for convenience. But consistent, all-day vapers will need something more robust.

Pre-Filled Rechargeable Cartridges

Pre-filled rechargeable cartridges offer the ideal compromise between disposables and refillable cartridges. These carts come pre-loaded with vape juice, distillate, or cannabis oil. They securely snap or screw into a reusable, rechargeable battery and heating element. When the cart empties, replace it with a fresh pre-filled one for effortless swaps.

Pre-filled carts provide straightforward operation with maximized convenience. Simply switch out cartridges anytime to enjoy a new strain, flavor, or cannabinoid profile. The reusable batteries last far longer than disposable pens. There's also a massive variety of strain and terpene options to match any activity or mood. Pre-filled carts deliver very consistent dosing when sticking with the same cartridge type.

On the negative side, customization and flavor choices are still quite limited compared to refillables. Popular cannabis strains often sell out fast at dispensaries. There's also some plastic waste generated from discarded cartridges, although many brands now offer recycling programs. For most everyday vapers who value convenience without the refilling hassle, pre-filled carts strike the perfect balance.

Refillable Vape Cartridges

Refillable cartridges grant vapers full control over their setup, juices, and vaping experience. Empty refillable carts connect to a battery and may be filled with any vapeable oil, distillate, e-liquid, or cannabis extract. This boundless flexibility allows for infinite recipe experimentation and effect customization.

Refillable carts accommodate any vaping need ranging from massive vapor clouds to unique terpene blends and everything between. Mixologists can blend THC, CBD, nicotine, and botanical terpenes into tailored vape juices. Refillable systems enable effortless strain swapping without cleaning pens constantly. Costs are also extremely economical long-term compared to pre-filled cartridges. And properly maintained refillable carts produce virtually no plastic waste at all.

Refillable vape cartridges offer maximum control for vapers who prioritize customization and personalization. However, they do require more initial investment in hardware and DIY vape juice supplies. There's also some necessary maintenance like cleaning, filling, and troubleshooting involved. But for dedicated vapers who love tinkering and endless flavor options, refillable carts are the pinnacle of customization.

What Substances Go Into Refillable and Pre-Filled Vape Cartridges?

There are several key types of oils, solvents, and diluents used in formulating modern vape cartridge juices:

Cannabis Distillate Oil: Purified, concentrated extract that is over 90% pure THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids. All plant material has been stripped out through distillation. Distillate provides thick, potent vapor.

Live Resin Cannabis Oil: Made from fresh frozen cannabis plants to best preserve aromatic terpenes that would otherwise degrade during traditional curing and extraction. Vaping live resin oil captures a flavor profile closer to fresh flower.

Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin: PG and VG are common vape juice diluents added to cannabis oils and nicotine liquids. They adjust viscosity and allow proper wicking for optimal vaporization.

Added Terpenes: Some companies supplement cannabis oils with extra cannabis-derived or botanically-sourced terpenes. These terpenes enhance flavors and may influence effects through the entourage effect.

Nicotine E-Liquids: Pre-filled nicotine cartridges utilize salts, freebase, or protonated nicotine suspended in PG/VG diluent with flavoring. This creates smooth throat hits without oil burning.

How to choose the right vape cartridge

Pick a vape device

Before choosing a cartridge, you need to choose a battery system. Control is a factor to consider when purchasing a pen or device. Most pens have the ability to control temperature, but generic batteries only have one temperature setting and advanced devices will offer a range of settings or the ability to fine tune temperature. Some devices even come with companion apps that, among other things, keep track of the dosage inhaled.

Pick a vape cart

Next you’ll want to consider the types of carts that are compatible with your battery. For example, if you have a 510 battery, you’ll need to buy 510 cartridges. On the other hand, if you have a specific device, you’ll need to find a store that sells that device’s specialized carts. If ubiquity and ease of purchase are your main goal with a vape pen, the classic 510 cartridge is typically easy to find.

Depending on what effects you’re looking for, different concentrates may serve better than others. For example, if you’re looking to harness the full power of the cannabis plant, then a full-spectrum extract may be more appropriate than a high-THC distillate. If you’re looking to find support for stress and anxiety during the day, a CBD-dominant cartridge could do the trick.

With the wide variety of carts available today, exploring and experimenting with different systems or extracts is easy. You’ll be able to find many different strains in cartridge form to enjoy the discretion, portability, and ease of use that vape carts offer. Try a few different concentrates or styles of carts to see how they work—there is sure to be a vaporizer cartridge that’s right for you and your needs.